2013 subaru impreza Reviews and News

2013 Subaru Impreza

By
Automobile Magazine
- 01/31/2013

New For 2013

Subaru upgraded the audio for base 2.0i cars to include Bluetooth connectivity and audio streaming, iPod control, a USB port, and a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack. Steering-wheel audio and Bluetooth controls are now standard. Impreza 2.0i Sport Premium cars now feature leather-wrapped steering wheels and shifters. All 2.0i models with the optional navigation system now have rearview cameras.

Overview

Like most Subarus, the Impreza comes with standard all-wheel drive. This used to be a penalty when it came to fuel economy, but the 2013 Impreza has a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that’s rated at 27/36 mpg city/highway when equipped with the continuously variable automatic transmission. The rally-inspired WRX and STI models continue to use turbocharged 2.5-liter engines that aren’t terribly efficient, but they more than make up for that with their exhilarating performance. Electric power steering is now standard on all Imprezas but the WRX and the STI. Thanks to a recent redesign, the Impreza is more stylish than the previous model, but we still prefer the aggressive look of an STI over that of the base car any day. The redesigned Impreza has all the typical safety appointments, better fuel economy, and a more luxurious interior, and yet Subaru has managed to hold the line on pricing. The Impreza remains one of the best bargains on the market, but it doesn’t come across as an inexpensive car when you look at it or drive it. Increases in trunk capacity and rear-seat legroom are sure to please shoppers who found the old Impreza a bit cramped. The Impreza is available in a wide range of trim levels, so there should be at least one variant that fits your needs.

Safety

Front, side, driver’s knee, and side curtain air bags; traction and stability control; ABS; and a tire-pressure monitoring system are standard.

You'll like:

Standard Bluetooth

Surprisingly good on gas

You won't like:

STI and WRX are unchanged

Nonturbo cars are slow

Key Competitors For The 2013 Subaru Impreza

Rally racing has found a receptive audience in North America, aided in no small part by the popularity of the road-going models of the race cars, the Subaru Impreza WRX, and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. In the fifth installment of "Launch Control" Subaru Rally Team USA's mini-documentary YouTube series on its race teams, two of the team's top drivers attempt to rack up a second consecutive win.

Subaru plans to expand its manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana, to add production of the Impreza. Automotive News reports that an investment of $400 million will allow Subaru to add capacity for about 100,000 new cars at the factory by 2016.

Our spy shooter has caught one of the first 2015 Subaru WRX STI sedans out testing. If you were hoping that the rally-inspired sedan would mimic the outlandish concept from the New York auto show last month, you may be disappointed.

Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Consequences

The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

Potential Units Affected

47,419

Notes

Subaru of America, Inc.

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

EQUIPMENT

Summary

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and Outback vehicles that may have received replacement RES fobs. If the RES fob is dropped, the fob may malfunction and randomly transmit an engine start request without pressing the button.

Consequences

The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Remedy

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall began on April 22, 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.